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Echo Crag has had some trail work done over the past few weekends by the Valhalla Group and others. This includes two new ladders along the Square Inch Wall, improvements between the first band of cliff and the Hone Wall area, and the large blow down tree (that was obstructing right side of the Hone Wall) has been cut out.

On the Hone Wall the original FA'ers have added lead bolts to the following climbs: Center Line (5.7), NCO Take Off (5.10, left of No Pigs), Race Day (5.9+), Rain Dance (5.9+), and Just Roof'n Around (5.11). When these lines where first done we only had a few bolts at our disposal and therefore judicially and sparely placed them, thus creating R+-rated climbs. It was not our original intention to create R-rated climbs. We were just short on cash and lots of routes to send! In fact, after putting up a route we would take the hangers off the newly installed bolts and use them on the next first ascent. The Hone Wall has some fine climbing and we had noticed through the years that the Hone Wall has seen very little traffic except for the few that have the skill and head to lead R+-rated routes. Don't expect to find Rumney sport clip-ups. Be sure to carry smaller cams and wires (Lowe Balls have good use here) besides just quick draws. You still have to earn your clips. There are some other Hone Wall climbs that will also be opened up for reasonable safe and enjoyable leads. The climbs will still have plenty of spice to them. No Pigs btw will stay as is.

Next Photos:1. Jamie bolting Center Line (it has a two-bolt anchor that was installed by the White Mountain School- could use chains). I led Fiddling Jim to the right and found it takes all gear abet with small gear and craftyness (sliders, small cams and wires, and tri-cams- equalized nut placements...not your straight forward placements).

2. At some point Spring line will get 2 or 3 bolts and an anchor. Gareth Slattery doing the left-hand start to Spring Line (just left of Center Line).

Thanks for all the work! That is a great place to climb! Highest concentration of moderate trad routes in NH I think.

No Pigs is such an amazing on-sight thin 5.8, one of my favorite NH routes. Also love the Arete and Buck-Toothed CS. Pulling out that roof on 5.7 jugs is just awesome!

I placed the bolts on No Pigs prior to Mr.Smartpig's "on-sight" of the climb. I gave him a chitload of beta as he climbed. Hence, it is a "tainted" on-sight.

Well great job! Seriously think this is the perfect heady safe 5.8+ lead around... making the crux moves has just the right amount of spice IMO... if you think you are a solid 5.9 sport climber jump on this route... it will get your attention without un-necessary fear.